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California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA·Public·32,691 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families who need the lowest possible cost. no major red flags in the data. 56% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

California State University-Northridge campus

Photo by Photographer, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed Public domain.

93%
Accept
32,691
Students
$7,021
Net Price
57%
Grad Rate
$49,700
Earnings
10 yr
$13,872
Debt

About This School

California State University-Northridge is a public institution located in Northridge, California with approximately 32,691 undergraduate students enrolled. California State University-Northridge has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 93%. The average net price after financial aid is $7,021 per year. The graduation rate is 57%, and the typical graduate earns $49,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

California State University, Northridge, is a public university in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States. With a total enrollment of 36,960 students, it has the fourth largest total student body in the California State University system. The size of CSUN also has a major impact on the California economy, with an estimated $1.9 billion in economic output generated by CSUN on a yearly basis. As of Fall 2025, the university has 2,085 faculty members, of which around 37% are tenured or on the tenure-track.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $7,599/year average net price and only $12,000 median debt at graduation, CSUN is one of the most affordable paths to a Los Angeles degree you'll find, and its location gives real access to entertainment, tech, and business industries. The concern worth naming is the 56% graduation rate — meaning nearly half of students who start don't finish in six years — so self-motivation and early engagement with academic support matter a lot here. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious, thrive in a large, diverse urban campus environment, and have a clear plan for staying on track.

Founded
1958
Setting
Large city
Avg Faculty Salary
$12,456

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing19%
Psychology13%
Communications9%
Social Sciences9%
Health Professions7%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Engineering5%
Education5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Eva LongoriaEva MendesAlyson HanniganPaula AbdulFlorence Griffith JoynerDebra WingerTeri GarrRobert EnglundJoan ChenRichard DonnerCheech MarinDoug Emhoff

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

What This School Looks For

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,458
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,058
Avg Net Price
$7,021
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$4,905
$30–48k$5,450
$48–75k$7,744
$75–110k$11,262
$110k+$18,040

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants56%
Median debt at graduation$13,872

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
57%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
73%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,872
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$40,100
Female graduates$35,500

Gap: 11% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,872
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.6x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White18%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino58%
Asian9%
Two or more races3%
International3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (32,691 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

California State University-Northridge

18111 Nordhoff St

Northridge, CA 91330

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Image Credit

Photo by Photographer, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed Public domain.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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